Surviving Extreme Heat

75% of U.S. homes have air conditioning. It is responsible for 6% of the overall electricity we use. Air conditioning, or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space, making it more comfortable. The electrical AC unit we love in the summer was invented in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier. Today, it is a luxury we’ve grown accustomed to having in our homes. Unfortunately, it runs on power that can be cut off by an EMP or a blackout. Here are some ways to cool off when the AC goes down.

• Take a cold, refreshing shower or bath.
• Soak your feet in a bowl of cold water.
• Place cool washcloths or bandannas around your neck and forehead.
• Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out the sun. If you don’t have any, pin up sheets or towels.
• Swap out the heavy wool bedding with breathable cotton sheets and buckwheat pillows.
• Heat raises, so seek shelter in the lowest part of your home, such as a basement if it’s a livable space.
• Open the windows at night when it is the coolest outside to circulate the air inside your home.
• Using your stove or oven to cook will just make things hotter inside. Instead, prepare meals with a grill or fire pit.
• Don’t eat hot, heavy food. Instead, eat light, refreshing meals like salad or ice cream.
• Staying hydrated is your body’s way of keeping cool. Drinks like Gatorade are designed with this purpose in mind.
• Invest in coating your windows with heat-reflective film or aluminum foil to deflect the sun’s rays from warming up your home.
• Install some awning over your windows to block out the sun’s rays as well.
• Check your windows and doors for air leaks and seal them accordingly with chalking or weather stripping.
• Don’t use paper fans as this will make your body heat up because of the rapid hand movement. Instead, get some solar or battery-powered fans. Just don’t forget to stock up on a lot of batteries for it.
• During the hottest time of the day, (1 PM to 3 PM) it’s best to stay indoors or in the shade and to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• When outside, cover your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat. This can also provide protect you from developing sunburn caused by harmful UVA rays.
• Wear thin, loose-fitted, light-colored clothing. Dark ones tend to absorb more heat.
• Create a mister with a travel-size spray bottle and mist yourself every hour or so. As the water evaporates from your body, it will trigger your internal cooling system. Do not do this on your bed or furniture, as it is not very effective here and will probably encourage mold growth instead.
• Like you would in the wintertime to retain heat, close off your warmest rooms and block under the doors to hold the cool air in one or two places.
• Limit the amount of time you open and close your outside doors. To prevent warm air from creeping in. If you must leave the house, pick a door that’s under some shade or is north facing where there is less sunlight to expose yourself to.
• If you are a fan of camping, pitch the tent in the backyard and sleep under the stars.
• Don’t stick your head in the fridge or freezer to cool off. Since you’ll most likely be in a blackout, this will only cause your food to spoil faster. Fridge food can only live four hours over 40 degrees F., while the freezer can last 24 hours if half full.
• During a prolonged blackout or heatwave, some communities may set up cooling stations to help those through the intense heat. These places are free for the public. Visit them with friends and family to cool off and relax.